The Dallas Mavericks may be the NBA Champions but Al Dannity has eyes on two of their biggest rivals in the Western Conference as he breaks it down division by division.
Pacific There’s only so much room at the top. Having been a shining beacon of offensive play for so long, this promises to be the year where the Suns fade out. Phoenix is losing the arms race in the Pacific Division and will do well to stay above last place. The Lakers are a year older but remain the strongest outfit in the division, albeit one unlikely to challenge for another trip to the NBA Finals. The rise of the Clippers will be the NBA betting story of the year in the Western Conference. With Chris Paul joining Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, the ‘other’ team in Los Angeles should be a lock to make the playoffs. The Warriors have more experience but will need a few breaks to go their way for the Pacific to deliver a third playoff team.
Northwest The Thunder have a great shot at the best overall record in the NBA thanks to their weakened division. The Blazers will have to get by without the retired Brandon Roy while LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden are both out long-term with injuries. The Nuggets are struggling to get all of their players back in time for the start of the season, while the Jazz and Timberwolves won’t be competitive. That leaves Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and an impressive supporting cast with a clear run to dominate the division. Making it to 40 wins in a 66 game season is more than plausible for this team.
Southwest This is the deepest division in the entire NBA, never mind the conference. The Hornets are destined for the lottery but the Southwest could realistically send four teams to the playoffs. With Tony Parker benefitting from his stint in France, the Spurs should be able to get off to a fast start and contend for either first or second seed in the playoffs. The Mavericks are older but remain one of the strongest teams in the game and should easily return to the post-season. The Grizzlies have the weapons needed to make another run at the playoffs, leaving Houston as the only question mark. What the Rockets lack in star power, they make up in discipline and organization. They look set for a battle to take the last spot in the playoffs. I like Houston’s chances in a shortened season as their style should have a positive effect on the early stages.
